As much as science has advanced over the years, tried-and-true treatments still endure. "Women think that natural products harness some secret to why they've worked for thousands of years. But these remedies can take time, and women want results now," explains global beauty industry analyst Karen Grant of the NPD Group Inc. That's why researchers are racing to figure out the science behind these miracle cures and learning new ways to maximize their benefits. Passed along from generation to generation and now perfected with cutting-edge technology, these ancient skincare secrets could help us all find the fountain of youth.

SAFFRON
Ancient Secret: Cleopatra is said to have added these bright orange stamens to her legendary milk baths, and some Indian and Moroccan women still apply a saffron oil stain on cheeks as a traditional form of makeup that "helps balance the hormones and improves the complexion," says Dr. Siva Mohan, an ayurvedic practitioner.
The Redux: In 2010, an Iranian study found that saffron has natural sunscreen. Now scientists have discovered that saffron from Morocco's High Atlas Mountains contains higher levels of protective antioxidants and firming glycans.
Targets: Wrinkles, sagging, brown spots, dullness.
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COMMIPHORA
Ancient Secret: Wise men (three in particular) prized this resin that's related to myrrh. "Commiphora has been used as incense, perfume, and medicine," says Dr. Marcus McFerren, derma-tologist and ethnobotanist.
The Redux: New research shows that an Indian variety plumps and firms the face by increasing hyaluronic acid production in the skin.
Targets: Wrinkles, sagging.
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KIGELIA
Ancient Secret: In most of sub-Saharan Africa, locals boil this tree's fruit into a pulp to treat dark spots.
The Redux: "Kigelia has naphthoquinone, which stops melanin from getting darker," Jackson explains. "It's not a skin bleacher, but as the skin sheds, you get a more even skin tone."
Targets: Brown spots.
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SNAIL MUCIN
Ancient Secret: We know that the French love to eat their escargot, but "thousands of years ago, the Greeks used snail mucus for antiaging skin treatments," Alexiades-Armenakas says.
The Redux: Stop gagging—snail slime is amino-acid-rich and antibacterial, and a recent German study showed that one type of the garden pest's mucin contains anti-inflammatory salicylic acid. Snail mucin has since become a cult hit in Korea because of its major moisturizing and firming properties.
Targets: Dryness, wrinkles, sagging.
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